Semiprecious stones have been crafted into beads since early civilization. Formed when minerals were caught in cooling rocks and created veins, they are extracted from the rock by mining. The human need for beauty and self-adornment is as old as civilization itself. The belief in the magical properties of the stones used in adornment –attributes of peace, protection, and healing–is also ancient.

Semiprecious stones have been assigned to birth months, used as amulets and traded as currency as well as adornment in jewelry; and many are believed to have therapeutic properties which pass to the wearer. Gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are rarely drilled to make beads as this detracts from there worth.

The stones and clays from which our beads are formed come from the mysterious depths of the earth all over the world. But whatever the varied geographical or geological origin of these beautiful, tactile objects—they bring a common delight to our eyes, our minds —and our souls.

Disclaimer:

The information regarding the metaphysical and other properties and purposes of minerals are provided for entertainment and inspirational purposes only. In no way is it intended for diagnosing illness, prescription, or advice and should not replace proper medical attention. Consult your Doctor or other health care practitioner regarding health issues. Creative Bead Designs is not liable for any use or misuse of this information.

Hawk's Eye (Blue Tiger's Eye)

Blue Tigers Eye, which is also known as Hawks Eye, enhances integrity of communication and practical communication. It can help find courage to recognize thoughts and ideas, and the willpower to carry them into the physical realm. Blue tigers eye can be used for protection, especially of the upper chakras. It is also said to bring good luck to one who wears or carries it. Blue tigers eye is associated primarily with the throat chakra.

Hematite

Hematite is a metallic gray iron oxide mineral with a hardness of about 6. Its name comes from the Greek word for blood, since when it is cut, the coolant becomes red. Gem grade Hematite is found in Europe, Brazil & the USA.

Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Hematite can assist in purification of the energies of our physical and energetic circulatory systems. It is the the most widely used stone for 'grounding', and it is said to energize both the root chakra at the base of the spine & the 'Earth Star' below the feet.

Hematite is known as a "stone for the mind". It brings mental organization and is very grounding and calming. It helps with original thinking, logical thinking, and mathematics. It decreases negativity and can help balance the body/mind/spirit. Physically it has been used to keep the body cool, to decrease blood disorders, nervous problems and insomnia, as well as align the spine and mend broken bones. Hematite is associated with the root (base) chakra. During my first trip to the Tucson Rock and Gem Shows, I carried a piece of hematite around in each pocket to help ground me from all the strong crystal energy there. Hematite is good at grounding out excess energy and acting as a stabilizing force.

Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite is a stone that helps one attain a positive self-image including self-esteem and self-respect. It assists in personal growth on all levels, and helps one evolve and transform in healthy ways. Hemimorphite is a stone that bring joy and creativity to one's life. For crystal healing, hemimorphite is an excellent stone that can bring strong but gentle healing energy as well as assisting the healer in accessing ancient healing techniques. Hemimorphite is sometimes used for protection from malice and poisoning. Additionally, hemimorphite brings good fortune and good luck. Physically, hemimorphite is great for regaining or maintaining healing and is particularly healing for pain relief, ulcers, blood diseases, cellular disease or disorder. Hemimorphite is associated with the heart chakra.

Herkimer "Diamond" Quartz

Herkimer 'Diamonds' are quartz crystals found in the hills in and around Herkimer, New York. They are known for their characteristic short, stubby, double-terminated shape and their unusual brilliance. They have a hardness of 7.

Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Herkimer 'Diamonds' are stones which open us to inner vision. They are said to enhance dreams and meditation, and to activate one's connection to the Higher Self. They may also be used to improve telepathy, clairvoyance & other psychic abilities.

Herkimer Diamond is called the "stone of attunement". While it is not actually diamond, it is a quartz that often resembles the sparkling clarity of diamonds. It can be metaphysically programmed to attune one to an environment, a situation, a quality, or most anything. It is said to assist with balance on the mental, emotional and physical levels. It can be used effectively to clear and open any chakra. It is professed to relieve tension and thereby promote peace of mind. Psychically, it's useful for auric cleansing and dream recall. Mystical lore says that physically it can be used to heal addictions and remove toxins. Herkimer Diamond is associated with the crown chakra.

Heulandite

Heulandite is in the mineral family of zeolites whose crystals have been grown aboard the space shuttle. It is one of the stones that is said to bring one ancient mystical information from Atlantis Lemuria including techniques and traditions. Heulandite is a stone that promotes receptiveness and having an open mind even in situations that it is normally difficult. As a psychic tool, heulandite is used for past-life recall in addition to accessing Atlantean / Lemurian information. This stone is an excellent emotional healer for dealing with loss of all kinds, especially grief. Physically, heulandite can assist with weight loss (obesity), balance and inner ear problems, foot issues, and respiration. Heulandite is considered to be associated primarily with the crown chakra.

Hiddenite

Hiddenite is the green variety of spodumene, as kunzite is the pink variety, and it is a stone that is known best for attracting prosperity. It also is a heart chakra stone that provides protection and support for the emotions. Hiddenite helps relieve loss, particularly in the areas of love or money. It is a very calming stone, and helps engender compassion for others. It also brings trust to relationships of all kinds. Psychically, it is said to help connect with other worlds and help transfer knowledge from them and bring insight. It also stimulates the intellect. Physically it is helpful for helping regain youthful-type vigor, skin issues, and circulation, plus any diseases from repressed emotions.

Honey Calcite

Honey Calcite: This stone is a rich brown colored variety of calcite, a mineral family that comes in a variety of colors. It is a calcium carbonate mineral with a hardness of 3. Honey Calcite is found in China, the USA and Mexico.

Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Honey Calcite is a good stone for soothing and grounding. It is believed to be able to help one relax and recharge one's energies, both physical and spiritual. It is said to aid in tasks requiring organized thinking and planning, and to help one manifest one's dreams.

Honey calcite is a stone that gently amplifies energy. It also assists in the challenges associated with change. Honey calcite enhances psychic abilities, astral projection and higher consciousness. It also enhances intellect and memory. Honey calcite is associated with the sacral and solar plexus chakras.

Howlite

Howlite decreases an overly critical state of mind, selfishness, stress, pain, and rudeness. It increases sublety and tact. It helps bones, teeth, calcium levels and leg cramps. It also heightens creativity.

Iolite

The property that made iolite so valuable to the Vikings is extreme pleochroism. Iolite has different colors in different directions in the crystal. A cube cut from iolite will look a violetish blue almost like sapphire from one side, clear as water from the other, and a honey yellow from the top. This property led some people to call iolite "water sapphire" in the past, a name that is now obsolete.

Iolite is popularly known as water sapphire, although it is not a type of sapphire at all. It is one of the best stones to use in psychic, healing, and spiritual activities. It can open one to psychic talents and expand them, and is excellent for use on the 3rd eye and crown chakras. It can also enhance curiosity. It is also an excellent stone for meditation and astral travel. It helps one grow spiritually in a gentle fashion. Iolite is considered a very strong "Shaman" stone, and can stimulate visions. Iolite is very helpful when dealing with addictions, including alcoholism. It assists in detoxification as well as maintaining sobriety. Iolite is also said to help build relationships. In the physical realm, iolite is used to help heal sore throat, varicose veins, and blisters.

Indicolite (Blue Tourmaline)

Indicolite is blue tourmaline, which is probably the rarest form of tourmaline. Indicolite corresponds to all chakras in terms of clearing, but particularly to the throat and third eye chakras. It is said to aid in the quest for spiritual growth. It increases psychic awareness, and increases healing powers. Indicolite can also bring happiness and laughter to your life. It also promotes inspiration of all kinds, and lessens fear. Indicolite is a protective stone that can dispel curses and protect from all dangers. In the physical realm, indicolite is said to benefit the lungs, larynx, thyroid, heart, internal organs, and parasympathetic nerves.

Infinite

Infinite is often called "the healer's stone." It is particularly useful for healers, athletes, chronic pain sufferers, and others who have an ongoing need for healing energies. Infinite is a soothing and calming stone. It can be used to draw pain out from affected areas. It does, however, need to be cleansed regularly. Although both shades are equally valuable, some people prefer the lighter shades, and others the darker shades to work with. It is excellent for the treatment of joints, muscles, connective tissue, and is excellent at pain relief. It has been called a miracle-working stone.

Jade (General, All types)

'Jade', or yu, as it is called in China, is strictly speaking a generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. The name is derived from the Spanish piedra de ijada, loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as lapis nephriticus. That, indeed, is where the term 'nephrite' came from.

Jade – a gemstone of unique symbolic energy, and unique in the myths that surround it. With its beauty and wide-ranging expressiveness, jade has held a special attraction for mankind for thousands of years.

Jade is a stone of the heart. As such it is related to the heart chakra and has a beneficial effect on all heart chakra related issues. So, of course, it can attract and enhance love of all kinds. It is also a stone of fidelity and generosity. It is also considered to be good for the physical heart and for emotional balance and stability. Jade is also very helpful as a stone of abundance. Physically, jade is used to heal lung problems, kidney problems, immune system weakness, PTSD, and nervous system overwork.

Jade, Nephrite

Nephrite jade is a stone of the heart. As such it is related to the heart chakra and has a beneficial effect on all heart chakra related issues, and all love relationships. It is also considered to be good for emotional balance and stability. Jade of all kinds is a very protective stone and is particularly good protection for children, against illness, and for psychic protection. It has energetic clearing properties, and is useful to keep with other stones. Physically, nephrite jade is used in the crystal healing of the physical heart, and kidney problems.

Jasper (General, All Types)

Jasper is an ornamental rock composed mostly of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, in association with other minerals, which give it colorful bands and patterns. Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin.

Jasper is an opaque, impure variety of quartz that is usually red, yellow or brown in color. This mineral breaks with a smooth surface, and is often used for ornamentation or as a gemstone. It can be highly polished and is used for vases, seals, and at one time for snuff boxes. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped or banded jasper. Jaspilite is a banded iron formation rock that often has distinctive bands of jasper. The Egyptian pebble is a brownish-yellow jasper.

Jasper is an ornamental rock composed mostly of chalcedony, micro crystalline quartz, in association with other minerals, which give it colorful bands and patterns. Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin. Before the ability to write words, mankind gave his soul expression in pictures. Jasper is a stone of gentleness and relaxation. It enhances one's ability to relax and brings tranquility, comforting, wholeness, healing, and gentle endings.

Jasper, Black (aka Blackstone)

Black Jasper is a stone with a highly protective energy. It also has very healing energy. Black Jasper is said to bring good luck to the bearer in a fight, whether it be a mental, political, legal, or other type of fight. It is also used for protection against lightning. Black jasper is said to have energies of determining value; It was used as a touchstone for determining gold content in allows for thousands of years. In addition it has the other properties of jasper. Physically, black jasper is said to be helpful for relieving pain, stomach ailments, foot problems, and hip dysplagia. Black jasper is related to the root chakra. Black jasper is sometimes called "blackstone".

Jasper, Exotica (aka Sci Fi Jasper)

Exotica Jasper, also called Sci Fi Jasper or Science Fiction Jasper, feels to me like a cool milkshake on a hot day, it's so soothing. There's nothing bland about its energy, though. In addition to the general properties of all jaspers, It has a subtle and deep energy that seem to nuture one on a soul level. This is a stone I would choose to use for protection and nurturing during soul retrievals, healing of traumas or other deep emotional wounds, and the like, both for the healer or the healee.

Jasper, Kambaba

Kambaba Jasper is an exotic looking jasper from Africa. It is said to mystically soothe the nerves and state of mind. As with other jaspers, traditional lore says that it is good for grounding and protection. It is purported to be beneficial for plant growth and health, particularly in arid environmentsor where the soil is poor. Crystal healing lore says that Kambaba Jasper helps dietary stabilization, assimilation of vitamins and minerals, and cleansing the body of toxins.

Jasper, Leopard Skin

Leopard skin jasper (also called leopard stone) is a stone of shamanic journeying. It also aids in service to others. It helps discover and connect with one's animal totems or "power" animals. It makes it easier for one to take responsibility properly. Helps with creative visualization. As with all jaspers, this is a protective stone, and it is particularly protective during shamanic journeying. Physically it helps eliminate toxins and decrease body odor, and is very helpful in self-healing. It has properties of protecting the third chakra, but is associated mainly with the root chakra.

Jasper, Ocean

Ocean Jasper is very soothing and helps to love one's self as well as others. It is very healing of the emotions and brings peace of mind. It helps with acceptance of responsibility and increases patience. The circulars patterns on ocean jasper symbolize and help us realize that we are all interconnected and nature is a cyclical pattern. It can also help with circular breathing for healing or meditation. Being a type of jasper, ocean jasper is a very protective stone, and any orbs ("eyes") enhance this in regard to protection from the "evil eye." Physically, ocean jasper is beneficial to the digestion, digestive organs, removing toxins, lessen body odor. Ocean Jasper is related to the heart chakra.

Jasper, Picasso

Picasso Marble (or Picasso Stone) is sometimes called Picasso Jasper. It has strong metaphysical qualities of grounding and calming. It also promotes weight loss and assists in the development of creativity, as well as engendering strength and self-discipline.

Jasper, Picture

Picture jasper helps create harmony, proportion, creative visualization, positive things in business pursuits. It brings and shows hidden messages from the past as well as hidden thoughts, fears, and hopes. These qualities make it useful as an emotional/psychological healing stone.

Jasper, Red

Red jasper is called a stone of fairness and justice because mystical lore claims that it decreases unjustness and helps in unfair situations. It is also said to enhance responsibility, choice, and compassion. Used in mystical dreamwork, it can enhance dream recall. It is said to assist in protection and rescue from danger. Red jasper is associated with the first and second chakras. Metaphysically, it is purported to have a stabilizing effect, and help one take all one's energy and use it in a balanced manner. It is also said to be a stone that helps in all areas of survival, and is a very protective stone. Red jasper said in gemstone lore to be a stone of controlled passion and used to help control one's own passions. Crystal healing lore says that physically it assists in healing by maintaining positive movement with all types of disorders and disease.

Jasper, Yellow

Yellow jasper has characteristics of helping one be strong and balanced in the social arenas and protects one's social welfare. It is associated with the solar plexus (belly) chakra. Yellow jasper is a protective stone that particularly gives protection during travel, both physical and spiritual. It also shields one from negativity, and can protect from depression.

Jet

Jet is a black gemstone, which is actually an organic product, a bituminous coal which can be polished. It has a velvety luster and a hardness of 2.5 to 4. When rubbed, it becomes electrically charged. It is contained in many antique jewelry pieces and beads.

Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Jet can be used to dispel fears and negative thoughts, and to protect one against illness and violence. It is said to create a sense of calm & diminish depression. It is also said to awaken the kundalini energies in the spine.

Jet is also known as black amber, although it is not actually an amber, but rather fossilized coal. It was used extensively in mourning jewelry in Victorian times and was considered a stone for alleviating and bringing grief to the surface to be healed. It has also historically been used as a protection stone and is said to have very powerful protection energies to ward off evil, negativity, and psychic attacks. It is also said to protect finances and protect from depression. Jet is related primarily to the base chakra, but when used on the upper chakras it helps kundalini move to the crown chakra. Mystically, jet is considered a stone of sympathy, healing grief, psychic experiences. It is said by intuitive sources to be an excellent calming stone, and helpful for treating epilepsy, migraines, stomach pain, colds, glandular problems, and lumpathic problems.

Kansas Pop Rocks

Kansas Pop Rocks are the common name for the stones that are trademarked as Boji Stones®. They come from the same place, at the base of a natural pyramid mount in the center of the continental USA, and are the same type of rock, having the same properties. Kansas Pop Rocks usually come in pairs, a smoother stone which has Yin or female energy and is referred to as the female, and a rougher stone that has Yang or masculine energy and is referred to as the male. Kansas Pop Rocks are excellent for balancing energy and polarities of all kinds. They are used a lot in energy healing and psychic healing to release blockages. They are also used a lot to balance the chakras and align them. They are also excellent for grounding excess energies, grounding people who are feeling "spacey", and for shielding. In the both the household plant pots and out in nature, Kansas Pop Rocks are used to promote plant growth. Kansas Pop Rocks are also used in healing arthritis, back pain, general healing, regeneration of cells, adrenal glands, chronic fatigue, and physical energy.

King Cobra Jasper

King Cobra Jasper is known as the counselor's and therapist's stone. It is a very calming and nurturing stone that can help alleviate anger and bring contentment and order out of chaos. It is a good tool for organization. King Cobra Jasper is particularly helpful in dealing with mental disorders because of these traits. It is also a very protective stone, particularly in cases of hospitalization.

Kunzite

Kunzite is a hard pink gemstone, a variety of spodumene with the colour coming from manganese. It was named after George Frederick Kunz, who discovered it in Connecticut, USA in 1902. It is currently mined in Brazil, USA, Canada, CIS, Mexico and Sweden.

Kunzite is pink-violet spodumene, named after G.F. Kunz, who first described this gem in 1902. It has a hardness of 6 to 7, and perfect cleavage which makes it a difficult gem to cut. It has been found in Afghanistan, the USA, Brazil, Burma and Malagasy Republic.

Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Kunzite activates the heart chakra and stimulates deep feelings of love, peace and relaxation. It is also said to dissolve negativity, promote maturity, increase sensuality, refresh the mind, deepen meditation and align the chakras.

Kunzite is said to help one to understand and interact better with others, to help heal "broken hearts", to relieve stress and anger, and to bring love, peace and harmony. It is also a stone that removes obstacles. Kunzite is said to help strengthen the circulatory system, and to be helpfull in the treatment of lung disorders. Kunzite is associated with the heart chakra.

Kyanite

Kyanite, whose name derives from the Greek, kyanos, meaning blue, is a typically blue silicate mineral, commonly found in aluminium-rich metamorphic pegmatites and/or sedimentary rock. Kyanite is a diagnostic mineral of the Blueschist Facies of metamorphic rocks.

Kyanite is a member of the aluminosilicate series, which includes the polymorph andalusite and the polymorph sillimanite. Kyanite is strongly anisotropic, in that its hardness varies depending on its crystallographic direction. While this is a feature of almost all minerals, in kyanite this anisotropism can be considered an identifying characteristic.

Kyanite is an aluminum silicate mineral with a hardness of 4.5 along the crystal axes and 6 to 7 across the axes. The crystals grow in clusters of long flat blades and are sometimes transparent enough to be cut as gems.

Kyanite is a stone of channeling, altered states, vivid dreams, dream recall, and visualizations. It gives protection during these states. It brings loyalty, honesty and tranquility, and diminishes anger and confusion. Kyanite does not retain negative energy and never needs energetic cleansing. It does align and balance all chakras, often very suddenly. Kyanite can remove energy blockages. Blue kyanite is associated with the throat chakra and is a boost to meditation. Black kyanite is also a boost to meditation, and is associated with the root chakra. Black kyanite is also very protective and deflects negativity.